Anniesantiago
Veteran Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2006 to date: Over 21 Caminos. See signature line
I'm just curious what the numbers are...
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I wear boots for all my long distance walking. And most of my daily strolling at home. The same ones. I discovered a few years ago that cheap leather or fabric builders' boots work fine for me. Especially if I replace the insoles with gel ones. So I buy a pair for about £25 or so and wear them more or less constantly until they fall apart. Life expectancy varies a lot but my best so far lasted for the Camino Ingles, a few months general wear at home, then the 1900km or so from Canterbury to Rome. Pretty tatty when I reached Rome though and one of the first things I did there was to find a hardware shop and buy a near-identical pair!Next Spring, gods willing, it'll be back in the lightweights even though I resent spending €100 on a bunch of fabric & plastic that is clapped after 500 miles.
I completed Camino Frances - Hoka One Ones (over the Pyrenees and up to O Cebreiro) and Tevas everywhere else. I had happy happy feet (no blisters).I'm just curious what the numbers are...
Should I add other shoe types?
I noticed that you added sandals as a choice, and have changed my voteShould I add other shoe types?
In the past I used light hiking boots, and hiking shoes. I just finished walking 12 days in road runners (Brooks Ghost 11 wide) which were great except that I got sore feet from rocks. I never had this problem on 100's of km training on smooth surfaces at home. Now I will be looking for trail runners with rock plate/protection on the bottom.I've answered "trail runners" although in fact my shoes have really just been regular running shoes
@Bob Howard, I hope you didn't mean this to be as inflammatory as it looks.Surprisingly strong votes for boots. And here I was thinking Bootasaurases were extinct.
Boots. Because I have to (I'm an ex infantryman, and my ankles are buggered). I have to wear boots at home always too. Plus, on camino I carry 16 kilo's +, so boots again.
I think boots are not necessarily needed on most caminos unless you are like me. I would wear something lighter if I could get away with it.
I am astonished that so far in the poll that so many choose boots!
Davey
I would be reluctant to use the word "must" in any post related to footwear. It is very much a personal and individual matter. I rarely take my boots off during the day and very rarely have blisters or other foot troubles these days - even on the odd occasions when I walk a 40+km day. We are all different.You must remove your footwear and socks a few times a day to allow your feet to breathe. Cherish and care for them along the way....you can’t make it without them ❤
I have walked about 4K in Brooks Cascadia Trail Runners. I am sure you can add at least another 1K in training for 3 pairs of Cascadias. I walked the entire Norte last year in the same pair I will walk the CF starting on October 28th. This will be the first time I will not walk an entire route. I have to start in Pamplona as I have to meet my daughter in Porto on December 3rd. Every day with the kids now is a day you don't want to miss as we get older. I am 65 and need a little extra time. Also I know it may be a little dicey walking in Trail Runners getting to Galicia especially but I hate boots. The Cascadias are really light and really durable. I have them one size larger and wider and they feel great.@Anniesantiago I'd love to click a button on your survey but, and isn't there always a "but", I wear boots in winter, trail runners/trainers("?") in summer, I've worn "walking shoes" (a pair of Loake's finest Brogues) to walk in once, though as Gran would have said "what else do you do in shoes"...
I'll hazard a guess or two though: given that most pilgs walk in the fair weather season they'll walk in a variation on the light-weight "training shoe" to "trail-runner" rather than a built leather boot. They'll prefer it 'cos its the only experience they'll have had and most of them will never have or will put on a pair of serious back-country boots in their lives and why should they.
I'll be back on the roads sometime in late November. I'll wear my Brasher's, probably for the last time as they're getting old like me, 'cos they'll be warm, waterproof and will guard my ankles against a sudden slip. Next Spring, gods willing, it'll be back in the lightweights even though I resent spending €100 on a bunch of fabric & plastic that is clapped after 500 miles.
I didn't do this on the whole CF!You must remove your footwear and socks a few times a day to allow your feet to breathe. Cherish and care for them along the way....you can’t make it without them ❤
Boots with ankle support,always.I'm just curious what the numbers are...
Did you vote?Boots with ankle support,always.
Why do Hokas have their own category? I wear boots because I need the ankle support. Those boots are Hokas because I love the cushion that eliminates burning soles and bruises from stones.
Did you vote?Boots definitely. I like walking in early to mid spring when there is still snow on the mountains and mud on the meseta. I can plough on through without anything getting into my boots while others are struggling in shoes of some description. When I go walking at home in warmer weather, I wear hiking shoes and occasionally hiking sandals. I never use trainers. Tend to suffer from various muscle problems, particularly calfs when I wear them so binned the last pair I had
Did yoI have done a great deal of walking and over the years I have gradually narrowed my selection of footwear to Sandals (bedrock brand) as much as possible and trailrunners if its below 8-10C
Did you vote?Boots with ankle support,always.
Hokas are just a shoe brand. They are usually trail runners, but as @cher99840 mentioned, they also make boots.I don't know. Because someone mentioned they wore Hokas. I have no idea what they even are. It's just a poll to see what most pilgrims prefer. You can have more than one vote, I believe.
Are those boots?Merrill Moab, WP for me. With custom orthos. Over 2500 miles over last 3 years, on two pair. As an old soldier with ankle problems and two neuromas on each foot they're about as light as I can go.
Mine are lows so I guess they're shoes.Are those boots?
You are correct. I would observe that there is very little new that has been said about this in recent years. But a couple of new, sometimes quite strident voices, have attempted to dominate the discussion with very personal points of view. The rather more nuanced and balanced discussion that once was the norm on this topic has gone. One can only hope that this thread restores some balance, and we should thank @Anniesantiago for at least trying to put some facts back into the conversation.There may be other writers also. A search should find decades of wisdom on the topic.
I'm just curious what the numbers are...
DId you vote?Salomon trail shoes on both the CF and the CP. Never a problem from blisters or cobbles. It helps that I only weigh about 70 kg and keep my pack weight to 11 kg, which doesn't put so much stress on the lower legs and feet.
Buen Camino.
I wore boots on my first Camino and Asics gel walking shoes on our second - the portugeuse.
As someone pointed out the Portugeuse has billions of cobblestones to walk on, and whilst our first Camino on the Frances was blister free, I did have a blister issue on the Portugeuse in consequence of soft shoes soles, cobblestone attack and a very hot day, all combined.
Cheers
Graham
And I notice more abandoned boots.On walking the Camino I noticed a lot more dead trail runners than boots.
Please vote.
On walking the Camino I noticed a lot more dead trail runners than boots.
I've ALWAYS noticed more abandoned boots.
Every year I've walked.
In fact, I don't think I have ever seen abandoned trail runners.
YesDId you vote?
In this poll, I'm simply wondering what type of shoe each walker finds best for them and how boot-wearers compare to trainer and sandal wearers. That's all. I hope you voted.
In thinking about how I might usefully respond to this, I was acutely aware that there was a risk of committing a fallacy fallacy - suggesting the conclusions are wrong because of the fallacies present in the argument. So let me state up front that any pilgrim is well advised to walk in comfortable, well fitting footwear that is reasonably light, whether their preference is boots, shoes, sandals or even crocs. That is not at issue here.My Bootasauras comment was just an attempt (feeble as it was) at humor. But footwear on the Camino is an important topic, especially for people who are new to long distance walking. This discussion board forum is not only enjoyable reading for Camino veterans—keeps us connected to the Camino between walks—but it is also a rather comprehensive how-to encyclopedia of all things Camino.
Virtually every one of us who chime in on these gear issues are veteran Pilgrims and/or experienced backpackers. When it comes to shoe wear, there are, of course, many points of view. Pretty much everyone responding to this thread already knows what works for them. And often the response to a newbie's query about boots vs non-boots is “to just wear what works for you." To me that comment might be a well-intended suggestion, but it is essentially just a well-worn homily. And that is the essence of my point—the newbie who asks the question about boots vs non-boots doesn’t know what works for them. That’s why they’re asking the question. So, what can we say to them. Well, we tend to tell them what works for us. Here’s what I think would be a good collective response: “Traditionally, long distance walking and backpacking was associated with hiking boots. Many veterans here wear full on hiking boots, but the trend towards lighter weight, more comfort and diminished blisters means that the majority of Pilgrims find that lightweight trail runners are best.”
I wore leather boots for many years, and a few thousand miles in the Sierra Nevada. Both Asolo and Danner, and, of course, a lot of moleskin.
Walking the Camino is neither mountaineering nor even conventional backpacking. Rather, it is very pleasant and relatively leisurely walk. There are a couple days where the terrain approaches the kind of trail surface we encounter in wilderness backpacking, but overall it’s a stroll over rolling countryside passing through assorted villages and towns. Are boots necessary. No they’re not. But if that’s what you’re used to and they work, then arguably they are necessary. But again back to the new long distance walker. How can we provide meaningful advice to that person?
Dougfitz and Davebugg and a few other of our more experienced and exalted veterans have posted a number of informative posts regarding boots vs non-boots. If you were brand new to the Camino and hiking, and read the entire thread you would probably conclude that both boots and low cut runners work. And they do. But what would be the best recommendation for someone who has likely never worn hiking boots, or thought about the difference.
Feel free to inundate me with darts, but it seems to me that a good reply to a soon to be Pilgrim would be something along the lines of: “Although footwear is a personal matter, absent a physiological issue requiring high top leather boots, most walkers would fare better with a lightweight trail runner or even a well cushioned trainer. While leather high top boots provide the most protection in wilderness terrain, they are far more likely to result in blisters, especially if not well worn in. Most trail runners/trainers can be worn right out of the box. While blisters night not keep you from completing the Camino, they will definitely diminish your enjoyment.” ‘
The technological advances in outdoor gear has made it all a lot easier and more pleasant. And that’s what’s happened with footwear. The development of lightweight comfortable out of the box shoes makes long distance hiking more accessible. There’s a reason we rarely see external frame packs. Technology. When internal frame packs were introduced in the mid 1960’s, I remember thinking what’s the point. My external frame Kelty performed beautifully so why change. At first internal frame packs were adopted by mountaineers, climbers and off-trail scramblers. But gradually, as the technology improved, internal frames came to dominate. The same thing has happened with footwear.
So, my point is not to debate lightweight trail shoes vs boots—everyone reading this already knows what they prefer. I make these comments and arguments only in connection with the first time pilgrim without previous hiking experience.
Apologies to you Anniesantiago. I did vote but then realised that what I wear depends upon which Camino I’m lucky enough to be walking.
i misunderstood your original post and do apologise.
I will now go and hide in the cupboard for a while until it’s safe to emerge unnoticed.
Cheers
“Although footwear is a personal matter, absent a physiological issue requiring high top leather boots, most walkers would fare better with a lightweight trail runner or even a well cushioned trainer. While leather high top boots provide the most protection in wilderness terrain, they are far more likely to result in blisters, especially if not well worn in. Most trail runners/trainers can be worn right out of the box. While blisters night not keep you from completing the Camino, they will definitely diminish your enjoyment.”
In thinking about how I might usefully respond to this, I was acutely aware that there was a risk of committing a fallacy fallacy - suggesting the conclusions are wrong because of the fallacies present in the argument. So let me state up front that any pilgrim is well advised to walk in comfortable, well fitting footwear that is reasonably light, whether their preference is boots, shoes, sandals or even crocs. That is not at issue here.
What I would take issue with is that the author engaged in a name-calling ad hominum attack in an earlier post, and the response here is in the form of what I consider to be one of the bully's defences - that their remarks were meant to be funny. I'm not sure that there is anything humourous about appearing to denigrate those of us who prefer boots by calling us names. I would worry if others thought it was.
But even suggesting this defence says two things to me. This first is that the author does not understand the offensive nature of the remark, and isn't sorry that they made it. The second thing is that they want anyone who was offended by their name calling to take the blame for taking offence and for calling out the matter. Let me suggest that isn't going to happen.
For me, it all depends on the specific route and length of the walk. I had full blown hikers on the CF, but thought them to be overkill on the Portuguese. I switched to trail runners with vionic innersoles for the Portuguese and Ingles and was quite comfortable, but the thought often occurred to me on those treks that the runners would NOT have been sufficient on the CF.I'm just curious what the numbers are...
If you're up in years, boots are more stable, as there many craggy places on the Frances where ankle support is needed. I've also worn Solomon trail shoes on the flatter areas. If you're young to middle age trail shoes are good for fair weather Camino's...doing winter Camino in December and its boots all the way. It's a personal preference..our friend James has done two caminos barefoot. He never got a blister, not once.I'm just curious what the numbers are...
Friend, you will need good boots on the Camino Portugues, with ankle support and tough soles; those square, sharp-sided cobbles can cause havoc on your feet.I am very pleased with my Salomon boots. I have worn them on walks in Australia, Scotland and on the Camino and intend wearing them on the Portugues next year.
Boots on the first Camino (Francés) and switched to shoe version of hiking boots on the Primitivo, recently. It was a happy conversion, and I wear them daily in my work now!I also cannot select an option. One, because I've worn something different on every camino and each has had merit, and two, I'm perversely obstinate about answering survey questions.
My shoe version of a hiking boot was the most supportive.
Isn’t interesting to note how people see things. Reminds me of something I recently missed....we had planted a tree for a beloved minister who had died recently. I went to check that the leaves looked healthy and to water it etc. The same day my cousin sent me a photo of bark having been rubbed off, which I had completely missed. Of course, I went back and wrapped the trunk to protect it, but laughed at my myopia. It takes a village! (For me, at least)And I notice more abandoned boots.
In 2016 before my first Camino with some doubts (because I did not know what I was doing or what I would need the shoes to do) I bought a pair of Colombia Canyon Point walking shoes (they were in a sale at Decathlon). It was the perfect decision. I have now walked 5 Camino (not from start to finish but at least a week each) and all of the training over very demanding walking trails here in Andalucia and I have not suffered from a single day of discomfort. If in any doubt at all buy these shoes.I'm just curious what the numbers are...
am going to find a replacement word for “recently”Isn’t interesting to note how people see things. Reminds me of something I recently missed....we had planted a tree for a beloved minister who had died recently. I went to check that the leaves looked healthy and to water it etc. The same day my cousin sent me a photo of bark having been rubbed off, which I had completely missed. Of course, I went back and wrapped the trunk to protect it, but laughed at my myopia. It takes a village! (For me, at least)
I’m astonished you carry 16kg ! Is that an infantry thing too ? I carry about six. I wear off road runners, with really good tread so no slipping.Boots. Because I have to (I'm an ex infantryman, and my ankles are buggered). I have to wear boots at home always too. Plus, on camino I carry 16 kilo's +, so boots again.
I think boots are not necessarily needed on most caminos unless you are like me. I would wear something lighter if I could get away with it.
I am astonished that so far in the poll that so many choose boots!
Davey
I’m astonished you carry 16kg ! Is that an infantry thing too ? I carry about six. I wear off road runners, with really good tread so no slipping.
Boots. Because I have to (I'm an ex infantryman, and my ankles are buggered). I have to wear boots at home always too. Plus, on camino I carry 16 kilo's +, so boots again.
I think boots are not necessarily needed on most caminos unless you are like me. I would wear something lighter if I could get away with it.
I am astonished that so far in the poll that so many choose boots!
Davey
Had to Google the difference between "Trail runners" & "Walking shoes" just to be sure....so I discovered that the North Face Hedgehogs I use are "Walking Shoes". I walked the Camino Ingles & Camino Portugeuese in Summer & these walking shoes felt just right for the warm weather. Tried a pair of running shoes on one day & found that the soles of my feet were sore from the stones on the trail - the soles of the running running shoes were not rigid enough for me, though I am heavy. In the winter I wear a pair of Meindl boots to keep my feet nice and toasty...so its horses for course,,,,I'm just curious what the numbers are...
I bought a pair of Salomon Ultra X boots for my Camino. 1200 miles later, I bought a second pair. I've described these boots as a sock with a tire tread on the bottom. You can literally take them out of the box and walk from SJPP to Santiago with zero break in time.I'm just curious what the numbers are...
I was acutely aware that there was a risk of committing a fallacy fallacy - suggesting the conclusions are wrong because of the fallacies present in the argument.
So what is Bob proposing, and why do I consider the argument that he makes for it weak. Here is part of what he has, as in individual, proposed as some collective statement:But I saw @Bob Howard’s comment as a more sophisticated and intelligent way of saying what I now frequently say — if you are inexperienced in the ways of the outdoor world, you may automatically think — the Camino is a hike, for a hike we need hiking boots. Today, you should consider the full range of options.
Only his first point has any reasonable chance of being considered correct, provided you think that tradition here is decades old. Anything more recent, and this view of the world is just outdated when it comes to long distance walking and back packing (depending on how one thinks of these) although it might still be true of hiking.“Traditionally, long distance walking and backpacking was associated with hiking boots. Many veterans here wear full on hiking boots, but the trend towards lighter weight, more comfort and diminished blisters means that the majority of Pilgrims find that lightweight trail runners are best.”
This sets up a logical fallacy that the particular implies the general. In this case for a conclusion he has already used that boots cause more blisters than shoes, and appears to justify his use of that statement.I wore leather boots for many years, and a few thousand miles in the Sierra Nevada. Both Asolo and Danner, and, of course, a lot of moleskin.
But I find 16kilo's comfortable
Item | Actual weight |
Tarptent Notch, including lines and pegs | 770 g |
Sleeping pad, cheap foam | 224 g |
Sleeping bag, Cumulus Lite Line 200, 9*C | 520 g |
Silk mummy liner | 119 g |
Cutlery ( Lexan knife, spoon, fork) | 33 g |
Complete cooking kit: Evernew 1300, spirit burner, 125 ml spirits, windshield, DIY cozy, bag | 368 g |
Ferrocerium, LMF Scout | 30 g |
Total | 2.064 g |
I’m the same as you - a knackered (osteoarthritic) ankle so dependant on the support they provide. I wore my trusty old leather boots the whole way and swapped to flip flops once I arrived at whichever albergue I was staying at..Boots. Because I have to (I'm an ex infantryman, and my ankles are buggered). I have to wear boots at home always too. Plus, on camino I carry 16 kilo's +, so boots again.
I think boots are not necessarily needed on most caminos unless you are like me. I would wear something lighter if I could get away with it.
I am astonished that so far in the poll that so many choose boots!
Davey
Yes, Annie. Perhaps expand on the term Boots. There's a huge variety of boots i.e. high top leather boots versus mid height light hikers.Should I add other shoe types?
Should I add other shoe types?
Why so much?Boots. Because I have to (I'm an ex infantryman, and my ankles are buggered). I have to wear boots at home always too. Plus, on camino I carry 16 kilo's +, so boots again.
I think boots are not necessarily needed on most caminos unless you are like me. I would wear something lighter if I could get away with it.
I am astonished that so far in the poll that so many choose boots!
Davey